Houston’s premier opera firm, Houston Grand Opera, welcomes a brand new inventive chief in conductor James Gaffigan, who will step into the position of music director after the departure of longtime Inventive and Music Director Patrick Summers after the 2025-2026 season.
Gaffigan has many ties to Houston — he acquired his grasp’s diploma from Rice College and has visited for plenty of visitor conducting jobs with the Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera (HGO). He’s presently main this yr’s HGO manufacturing of Porgy & Bess.
Reflecting on his first experiences within the metropolis, Gaffigan says Houston made fairly the impression:
“I fell in love with Houston again once I was 21 years outdated … it was so completely different to something I’d ever skilled in the USA,” he stated.
Alana Campbell
He additionally highlights the neighborhood’s assist for the humanities and organizations like Houston Grand Opera as a significant factor in his determination to take the job.
“After I checked out all of the wholesome establishments in America, the one which stood out to me was HGO,” he stated. “Of all of the opera homes, it has essentially the most extraordinary monetary well being, and the custom of philanthropy on this metropolis is second to none.”
In his position as music director, he’ll work intently with Normal Director Khori Dastoor to design every season of exhibits. Dastoor says Gaffigan is the precise particular person the opera firm wants at this level in its historical past.
“He’s a catalyst for progress, he’s energetic, his imaginative and prescient is formidable, and it matches the second,” Dastoor stated.
Gaffigan has most not too long ago held posts as the overall music director of Komische Oper Berlin and music director of the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía in Valencia, Spain. This will likely be his first time main an American arts group.
He’ll assume the position of music director designate in HGO’s 2026-2027 season and formally start his tenure as music director for 2027-2028.
You may hear extra from Gaffigan and Dastoor speaking with Houston Public Media‘s Joshua Zinn within the audio under:
James Gaffigan, incoming HGO Music Director:
Khori Dastoor, HGO Normal Director:
